Changing Exhibits

American Adventure

January 19 – April 21, 2019

Do you have what it takes to survive? Take a step back into history to find out. In 1607, settlers landed on the shores of Virginia and called it home, creating the first permanent European settlement. Little did they know that less than half of them would survive the year in this new wilderness. Minotaur Mazes’ American Adventure takes visitors on an immersive, educational role-play adventure that asks people to conquer one great challenge: survive the year as one of the original Jamestown colonists. Sound easy? Think again. Only 38 of the 104 settlers survived. But don’t worry – you’re not tied to their destiny. You can beat the odds and determine your fate – it all depends on the choices you make…and a bit of luck.

Blending historical accuracy and the complexities of real life and death decisions, American Adventure delivers a truly unique and effective learning experience. Visitors choose a unique identity of one the Jamestown colonists and track a series of life choices on an easy to use abacus representing “life points” for health, wealth, food, and morale. You have to maintain all of them to “survive” the exhibit. Visitors will encounter four content-rich “Season Galleries” and engage in hands-on activities that result in choices relevant to their character. Survival is based on visitor knowledge and ingenuity but also the abilities and priorities of chosen identity. The American Adventure experience quickly reveals the reality of what Jamestown’s settlers faced, but also how everyday decisions and interactions with the environment can be a matter of life and death. Even if you don’t survive, try again! There’s a new adventure every time you enter the exhibit!

SHARK ZONE

May 11 – September 2, 2019

The unique and never before seen Shark Zone Exhibit, created exclusively by the Virginia Living Museum, is sure to be a jaw-dropping experience for all ages! Enjoy the wonders of our vast ocean and learn more about our friends in the deep blue sea. In addition, the VLM is partnering with National Geographic’s Photographer who takes magnificent photographs of these wondrous creatures.

Guests will enjoy a shark cage and come face-to-face with a full-size great white shark(model). Witness a spectacular grouping of over 35 large (3×4 feet) photographs of sharks in the world’s oceans: photographed by award winning National Geographic photographer, Brian Skerry. Dig in a pit for real fossil shark teeth and learn to identify the type of shark they came from. An 8 foot chilled, saltwater tank will house touchable chain dogfish or rays. Learn from a computer kiosk and track over 20 tagged Great White Shark locations in the world’s oceans and explore educational websites with shark themed games and quizzes. View a large monitor of dramatic underwater video footage by award winning photographer Brian Skerry.